Derby County boss Steve McClaren upbeat following Middlesbrough defeat

Derby County manager Steve McClaren was upbeat following his side's 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough and has urged his players to bounce back.

The Rams relinquished their place at the top of the Championship table, but the former England boss was quick to point out that league placement holds little relevance in December.

"This is the Championship. We have to do what we usually do: dust ourselves off, credit the opponent and perform better," PA Sport quotes him as saying.

"Overall, it was a bad day. But the Championship is tough. Middlesbrough will be up there.

"I don't mind losing, and you will in the Championship. But it's how you react. We don't even look in the league table in December. We want to be in the top six with 10 games to go."

Grant Leadbitter and Patrick Bamford scored the goals for the home side, while the Rams had Ryan Shotton sent off.